Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest … the winners are here!

We're huge fans of this crafty walking mailbox costume, which is so realistic it's probably on the cusp of being a federal offense. Devra's daughter should keep this in case she becomes a private investigator and needs a disguise. less

We're huge fans of this crafty walking mailbox costume, which is so realistic it's probably on the cusp of being a federal offense. Devra's daughter should keep this in case she becomes a private investigator ... more

Photo: Courtesy Devra

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Devra adds: ''We had an awesome interaction with a U.S. Postal Service employee who honked at us while passing by in her truck, circled around the block, and then pulled over to ask if she could take a photo.'' less

Devra adds: ''We had an awesome interaction with a U.S. Postal Service employee who honked at us while passing by in her truck, circled around the block, and then pulled over to ask if she could take a ... more

Photo: Courtesy Devra

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Michael writes: ''This train is composed of 3 boxes, found in our house, a pair of suspenders, and a pair of LED lights. Additionally, paint, construction paper, and tape were used to keep it all together.'' Michael apologized for turning this in late, adding: ''We may consider the "bullet train" next year, to meet your deadline.'' less

Michael writes: ''This train is composed of 3 boxes, found in our house, a pair of suspenders, and a pair of LED lights. Additionally, paint, construction paper, and tape were used to keep it all together.'' ... more

Photo: Courtesy Michael Mendoza

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My Chronicle colleague and City Insider author Heather Knight has some nice news beat/costume synergy here, with her little Muni ticket. Heather reports she got a free ride and shouts of "that's tight" from fellow passengers. less

My Chronicle colleague and City Insider author Heather Knight has some nice news beat/costume synergy here, with her little Muni ticket. Heather reports she got a free ride and shouts of "that's tight" from ... more

Photo: Courtesy Heather Knight

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Anyone can dress up their baby to look like Ron Burgundy, but it takes a special kind of ''Anchorman'' fan to include the News 4 backdrop and a bottle filled with Scotch. (I hope it's Scotch. Apple juice would be cheating ...) less

Anyone can dress up their baby to look like Ron Burgundy, but it takes a special kind of ''Anchorman'' fan to include the News 4 backdrop and a bottle filled with Scotch. (I hope it's Scotch. Apple juice would ... more

Johanna wrote late Halloween night: ''I used 120 yards of 3-inch wide muslin fabric and it took me 90 minutes to wrap and make them up tonight. I think you've started a costume revolution as we noticed many more clever, crafty, and home-made costumes while we were out trick-or-treating tonight.'' Mummies Jack and Teddy are crafty contest veterans -- starting with memorable safety cone and backhoe costumes in 2010. less

Johanna wrote late Halloween night: ''I used 120 yards of 3-inch wide muslin fabric and it took me 90 minutes to wrap and make them up tonight. I think you've started a costume revolution as we noticed many ... more

Photo: Courtesy Johanna Jay

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''Man, I hope there isn't a burrito limit to this year's contest,'' Cathy Barragan writes. She put this one together quickly, with tinfoil, tissue paper and a blanket from the closet. ''The best part about it? He's still sleeping.'' less

''Man, I hope there isn't a burrito limit to this year's contest,'' Cathy Barragan writes. She put this one together quickly, with tinfoil, tissue paper and a blanket from the closet. ''The best part about it? ... more

Photo: Courtesy Cathy Barragan

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It was a good Halloween for the U.S. Postal Service. Writes mom Catrine: ''The costume was essentially free--we got the stickers and boxes free from the post office, we already had the blue hat, shirt and pants (which was why he wasn't a UPS man) and his grandparents had the dolly. The top box opened up to store candy inside.'' less

It was a good Halloween for the U.S. Postal Service. Writes mom Catrine: ''The costume was essentially free--we got the stickers and boxes free from the post office, we already had the blue hat, shirt and ... more

Photo: Courtesy Catrine Brown

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The Poop commenter Wireless Andy is proud of this costume he made for his niece. Writes Andy: ''Hard to believe, but store-bought Boo costumes don't seem to exist. This was easily the hardest costume I've ever attempted. I had to remove some of the ''teeth'' because they got in the way, and she couldn't resist chewing them.'' less

The Poop commenter Wireless Andy is proud of this costume he made for his niece. Writes Andy: ''Hard to believe, but store-bought Boo costumes don't seem to exist. This was easily the hardest costume I've ... more

Photo: Courtesy Andy

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Henry is in a store-bought Superman costume, specifically requested with "no muscles." Henry is in a partially recycled mummy costume -- mom Andrea made the headpiece and borrowed the body from a friend. After zombies, vampires and werewolves dominated the 2000s, it's good to see mummies making a comeback. less

Henry is in a store-bought Superman costume, specifically requested with "no muscles." Henry is in a partially recycled mummy costume -- mom Andrea made the headpiece and borrowed the body from a friend. ... more

Photo: Courtesy Andrea Freeman

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7-month-old Emilia and her parents dress as the Brothers Droog from "A Clockwork Orange. Mother Heather writes: ''We were a hit on Cortland Street—Either in the form of THAT’S SO COOL! Or in the form of THAT’S SO OFFENSIVE (but also kind of really cool.)'' less

7-month-old Emilia and her parents dress as the Brothers Droog from "A Clockwork Orange. Mother Heather writes: ''We were a hit on Cortland Street—Either in the form of THAT’S SO COOL! Or in the form of ... more

Photo: Courtesy Heather Hawkins

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Cathy writes that her 5-year-old was indecisive -- five minutes before trick or treat he declared he would be ... Skeleton Shark Man. I think he totally pulled it off. I may be Skeleton Shark Man next year. Nice touch adding Nemo and Dori to the ensemble. less

Cathy writes that her 5-year-old was indecisive -- five minutes before trick or treat he declared he would be ... Skeleton Shark Man. I think he totally pulled it off. I may be Skeleton Shark Man next year. ... more

Photo: Courtesy Cathy Barragan

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Sidney was the wonderful wind-up doll in last year's contest. She absolutely owns this Wonder Woman contest -- Noel Plummer and friend Phil Horton created the sweet invisible jet.

Sidney was the wonderful wind-up doll in last year's contest. She absolutely owns this Wonder Woman contest -- Noel Plummer and friend Phil Horton created the sweet invisible jet.

Photo: Courtesy Noel Plummer

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Milo and Solomon Sperry are veterans of this contest -- appearing previously as Coit Tower and the TransAmerica Pyramid, and BART and Muni. They're latest SF-themed landmark is architect/dad Raphael Sperry's best. less

Milo and Solomon Sperry are veterans of this contest -- appearing previously as Coit Tower and the TransAmerica Pyramid, and BART and Muni. They're latest SF-themed landmark is architect/dad Raphael Sperry's ... more

Photo: Courtesy Raphael Sperry

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Greg Shephard reports: ''Max was born nearly 7 weeks early and although he was tiny his NICU doctors at Kaiser in SF nicknamed him Mighty Max because he was so strong and mighty. He is mommy's and daddy's little hero! Here, Max is watching over this beautiful city and keeping it safe.'' less

Greg Shephard reports: ''Max was born nearly 7 weeks early and although he was tiny his NICU doctors at Kaiser in SF nicknamed him Mighty Max because he was so strong and mighty. He is mommy's and daddy's ... more

Photo: Courtesy Greg Shephard

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Let's all go to the lobby ... Courtney Henry writes that her daughter Zoey requested the popcorn costume because it's her favorite snack. The excellent build included foam board, spray insulation and red electrical tape. (The red sneakers pull the whole thing together, IMO.) less

Let's all go to the lobby ... Courtney Henry writes that her daughter Zoey requested the popcorn costume because it's her favorite snack. The excellent build included foam board, spray insulation and red ... more

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Melanie's twin boys are looking fabulous in their ''Behind the Candelabra'' Liberace and Scott Thornton costumes. There was also a fake fur cape and foot-high headdress, but Otto was unable to handle the weight. (Good parenting points to mom for not making him wear it anyway.) less

Melanie's twin boys are looking fabulous in their ''Behind the Candelabra'' Liberace and Scott Thornton costumes. There was also a fake fur cape and foot-high headdress, but Otto was unable to handle the ... more

Photo: Courtesy Melanie

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Aubrey did tremendous work to make ''The Simpsons,'' which was her FIRST crafty costuming effort. She used a lot of styrofoam and dye. The hair was made of discarded mattress pads and poster board. less

Aubrey did tremendous work to make ''The Simpsons,'' which was her FIRST crafty costuming effort. She used a lot of styrofoam and dye. The hair was made of discarded mattress pads and poster ... more

Photo: Courtesy Aubrey Jensen

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Lindsay said son Parker was eager to go along with the costume, because they live down the street from a real ice cream man, and he has a Little Golden Book called ''Good Humor Man.'' (Sister Sadie seems less happy in her cone role.) Mom reports: ''Last year she played monkey to his organ grinder costume, so I think she's a little tired of being Best Supporting Actress.'' less

Lindsay said son Parker was eager to go along with the costume, because they live down the street from a real ice cream man, and he has a Little Golden Book called ''Good Humor Man.'' (Sister Sadie seems less ... more

Photo: After the Stork Photography / Courtesy Lindsay Falke

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Longtime The Poop reader Anne reports ''my daughter is a big fan of Picante in Berkeley, so when she wanted to be a burrito, we had to make it happen." I'm a fan, too -- this is perfectly executed. less

Longtime The Poop reader Anne reports ''my daughter is a big fan of Picante in Berkeley, so when she wanted to be a burrito, we had to make it happen." I'm a fan, too -- this is perfectly ... more

Photo: Picasa / Courtesy Anne

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The costume-maker reports that 4-year-old Xavier has been "Kaepernicking" since the Super Bowl, so they built this costume. The faux tattoo arms were made with old stockings and a Sharpie.

The costume-maker reports that 4-year-old Xavier has been "Kaepernicking" since the Super Bowl, so they built this costume. The faux tattoo arms were made with old stockings and a Sharpie.

Photo: Courtesy AM

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This is the Kaepernick kid's sister, 2-year-old Amelia, who is dressed as Amelia Earhart. Bonus resourcefulness points for building the miniature Lockheed Vega replica on a stroller.

This is the Kaepernick kid's sister, 2-year-old Amelia, who is dressed as Amelia Earhart. Bonus resourcefulness points for building the miniature Lockheed Vega replica on a stroller.

Photo: Courtesy AM

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Shannon said the family bought a sewing machine for these Pooh and Piglet costumes. She adds that her "middle aged, beer-drinkin', sports-lovin' husband figured out how to work the thing and sewed the costumes himself!'' How I wish she included a picture of that ... less

Shannon said the family bought a sewing machine for these Pooh and Piglet costumes. She adds that her "middle aged, beer-drinkin', sports-lovin' husband figured out how to work the thing and sewed the costumes ... more

Photo: Courtesy Shannon and Warwick

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Here's Warwick working the sewing machine. Get this man a beer! ''Its amazing how much kids change you!'' Shannon writes. She adds that he was a runner-up in our bowl cut contest a few years back. less

Here's Warwick working the sewing machine. Get this man a beer! ''Its amazing how much kids change you!'' Shannon writes. She adds that he was a runner-up in our bowl cut contest a few years ... more

Photo: Courtesy Shannon and Warwick

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When Amber's son wanted to be Beetlejuice, a search through four Goodwill stores commenced. Her 2-year-old is Barbara, and mom and dad are Adam and Lydia.

When Amber's son wanted to be Beetlejuice, a search through four Goodwill stores commenced. Her 2-year-old is Barbara, and mom and dad are Adam and Lydia.

Photo: Courtesy Amber C

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Martin's son Antoine liked "The Life of Pi" when he saw it in theaters. The costume idea was born when they found the movie two weeks ago on a premium channel. Fantastic work with the boat here.

Martin's son Antoine liked "The Life of Pi" when he saw it in theaters. The costume idea was born when they found the movie two weeks ago on a premium channel. Fantastic work with the boat here.

Photo: Courtesy Martin LaFosse

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Nico was told by her parents that she could be anything, and she chose a rocket ship. The flames and the ''Nico'' logo are excellent touches, but the kid's happiness makes this one soar. less

Nico was told by her parents that she could be anything, and she chose a rocket ship. The flames and the ''Nico'' logo are excellent touches, but the kid's happiness makes this one ... more

Photo: Courtesy Anjali

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Vicki submits this ''Little Old Man'' costume on Lachlan Gemmill-Edwards. He looks just like my social psychology professor from when I was 20. Huge resourcefulness points -- Vicki reports she threw the costume together in 30 minutes! less

Vicki submits this ''Little Old Man'' costume on Lachlan Gemmill-Edwards. He looks just like my social psychology professor from when I was 20. Huge resourcefulness points -- Vicki reports she threw the ... more

Photo: Courtesy Vicki Gemmill

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This was one of our winners from last year -- the kid in the "Super A" costume. He's hidden behind a paper mache head this year as Jack Skellington. Dawn reports that grandma sewed the Sally costume. less

This was one of our winners from last year -- the kid in the "Super A" costume. He's hidden behind a paper mache head this year as Jack Skellington. Dawn reports that grandma sewed the Sally ... more

Photo: Courtesy Dawn B.

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We get some good Dr. Who costumes every year -- something about that show meshes well with crafty costuming. But this is our first Dr. Who trio -- the 11th doctor, a Dalek and a Weeping Angel.

We get some good Dr. Who costumes every year -- something about that show meshes well with crafty costuming. But this is our first Dr. Who trio -- the 11th doctor, a Dalek and a Weeping Angel.

Photo: Courtesy Amanda Vrtis

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Five-year-old Gracie wanted to be a gypsy. Mom suggested adding flowers and a unibrow for a Frida Kahlo costume. Bonus cultural enrichment points: Gracie happily obliged after learning that Kahlo spoke Spanish, which Gracie is learning in school. less

Five-year-old Gracie wanted to be a gypsy. Mom suggested adding flowers and a unibrow for a Frida Kahlo costume. Bonus cultural enrichment points: Gracie happily obliged after learning that Kahlo spoke ... more

Photo: Courtesy Noa Grace

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Justin always loved Michael Jackson songs. (He was rocked to sleep as a newborn by ''The Way You Make Me Feel.'') She says the hardest decision was whether to go with MJ from ''Billie Jean'' or ''Thriller.'' Mom writes: ''As you can see, 'Billie Jean' won out this time. 'Thriller' is still a little too scary for a 3-year-old.'' less

Justin always loved Michael Jackson songs. (He was rocked to sleep as a newborn by ''The Way You Make Me Feel.'') She says the hardest decision was whether to go with MJ from ''Billie Jean'' or ''Thriller.'' ... more

Photo: Courtesy Molly and Justin C.

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Stacy D explains: ''This is my 22-month-old Jackson and we always call him ''grumpy old man,'' and thought Mr. Fredrickson from ''Up'' would make a perfect costume for him. The homemade PVC cane is nice, but Jackson's expression makes this costume work. less

Stacy D explains: ''This is my 22-month-old Jackson and we always call him ''grumpy old man,'' and thought Mr. Fredrickson from ''Up'' would make a perfect costume for him. The homemade PVC cane is nice, but ... more

Photo: Picasa / Courtesy Stacy D.

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I normally don't include unsigned entries, but I make an exception when the kid's head is in a jar. A nice twists on the headless costume, using an old reaper costume and a popcorn bin.

I normally don't include unsigned entries, but I make an exception when the kid's head is in a jar. A nice twists on the headless costume, using an old reaper costume and a popcorn bin.

Photo: Sent anonymously

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Erin says she tried to talk her 3 1/2-year-old into being a superhero or a cowboy. ''His mind was made up. He wanted to be a trash can. So a trash can he will be.'' Little sister is a recycling bin. Erin says this was her first time as a crafty costumer. I think she did excellent work. less

Erin says she tried to talk her 3 1/2-year-old into being a superhero or a cowboy. ''His mind was made up. He wanted to be a trash can. So a trash can he will be.'' Little sister is a recycling bin. Erin says ... more

Photo: Courtesy Erin Retif

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I thought we might get multiple Walter Whites this year. Just one so far -- using outdoor rain wear as a Hazmat suit. The plastic test tube flask came from an older brother.

I thought we might get multiple Walter Whites this year. Just one so far -- using outdoor rain wear as a Hazmat suit. The plastic test tube flask came from an older brother.

Photo: Courtesy Breaking Bad Dad

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Esme writes in ''Don't get too excited. This ain't no Hoban year ...,'' referencing her 2012 contest win building twin badgers. Keely and June instead chose two of the Pegasi from "My Little Pony." Esme reports: '''Luckily the show is funny and has just enough Gen X cred to hold my attention.'' less

Esme writes in ''Don't get too excited. This ain't no Hoban year ...,'' referencing her 2012 contest win building twin badgers. Keely and June instead chose two of the Pegasi from "My Little Pony." Esme ... more

Photo: Courtesy Esme Shaller

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Lucky 9-year-old Ava has two costume-making dads, who have built themed costumes in the past while studying the subject. They've celebrating Barbra Streisand and Marilyn Monroe in past years. This year is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of ''Cleopatra.'' Amazing results! less

Lucky 9-year-old Ava has two costume-making dads, who have built themed costumes in the past while studying the subject. They've celebrating Barbra Streisand and Marilyn Monroe in past years. This year is a ... more

Photo: Fima Photography / Courtesy Frank Siletti

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Michael is a fan of The Big Event's photo archive series, so he sent this shot from his family archives. He writes: ''I am pretty sure an old sheet, a pair of scissors and some twine was all that was required for a ghost costume. Which I believe had about a 3 to 4 year consecutive run. My sisters were given an apron and paper hat from my father's commisary and went as ... I guess kitchen workers?'' Thanks, Michael! less

Michael is a fan of The Big Event's photo archive series, so he sent this shot from his family archives. He writes: ''I am pretty sure an old sheet, a pair of scissors and some twine was all that was required ... more

Photo: Courtesy Michael Burris

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Monica sends this photo of "My little Spam Musubi aka Maile Madison.'' The costume is adorable, and I love the look on the faces of the parents. Reminds me of the excitement I had in my baby's first year. less

Monica sends this photo of "My little Spam Musubi aka Maile Madison.'' The costume is adorable, and I love the look on the faces of the parents. Reminds me of the excitement I had in my baby's first ... more

Photo: Courtesy Monica Bermudez

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Landon is looking happy in his amazing claw machine. Ronnie e-mails that the 30 hours the costume took to make paid off. Landon can make the claw go up and down, and there are lights above his head.

Landon is looking happy in his amazing claw machine. Ronnie e-mails that the 30 hours the costume took to make paid off. Landon can make the claw go up and down, and there are lights above his head.

Photo: Courtesy Ronnie R

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Sara reports that her husband is dressing up as Ron Swanson from ''Parks and Recreation," and he will be toting around his 10-month-old little girl dressed as a T-bone steak. It's hard to imagine loving an idea more. less

Sara reports that her husband is dressing up as Ron Swanson from ''Parks and Recreation," and he will be toting around his 10-month-old little girl dressed as a T-bone steak. It's hard to imagine loving an ... more

Photo: Courtesy Sara Egbert

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Ken sends this photo of his daughter, who is nicknamed ''Coco Bean.'' She's a warm cup of cocoa ...

Ken sends this photo of his daughter, who is nicknamed ''Coco Bean.'' She's a warm cup of cocoa ...

Photo: Courtesy Ken Vercellino

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the slideshow ... another photo from Ken, of his son getting eaten by a shark.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the slideshow ... another photo from Ken, of his son getting eaten by a shark.

Photo: Courtesy Ken Vercelliino

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Rosella writes that this is her son's Boardwalk Empire-inspired costume. Don't know whether to hug him or try taking out a high interest short term loan ...

Rosella writes that this is her son's Boardwalk Empire-inspired costume. Don't know whether to hug him or try taking out a high interest short term loan ...

Photo: Courtesy Rosella Tibig

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This one is almost too cute to handle. Madre del matador y el toro writes: ''Jasper is a bull lover not a bull fighter. Especially when the bull is his best bud, Luna.''

This one is almost too cute to handle. Madre del matador y el toro writes: ''Jasper is a bull lover not a bull fighter. Especially when the bull is his best bud, Luna.''

Photo: Courtesy S. Chen

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Longtime The Poop reader Amanda sends in this exceptional angler fish with working light. No need to wrap this kid in glow sticks. She writes: ''The head is made out of papier mâché (using the SF Chronicle of course - so meta!). It was a 3 week labor of love and my son wants to use it as a nightlight after Halloween.'' less

Longtime The Poop reader Amanda sends in this exceptional angler fish with working light. No need to wrap this kid in glow sticks. She writes: ''The head is made out of papier mâché (using the SF Chronicle ... more

Photo: Courtesy Amanda

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Geoffrey Nelson reports that the kid behind the mask is Oliver, who won our first Super-Crafty costume contest with his angler fish. Here he is as a Cyberman from Dr. Who.

Geoffrey Nelson reports that the kid behind the mask is Oliver, who won our first Super-Crafty costume contest with his angler fish. Here he is as a Cyberman from Dr. Who.

Photo: Courtesy Geoffrey Nelson

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Love the farm animals in this twister! Lindsey Phillips writes: ''My daughter is quite a destructive little girl so I thought a tornado would be very fitting. I couldn't find a design online that would allow her to move so I created this design so she could still run around like a two year old does.'' less

Love the farm animals in this twister! Lindsey Phillips writes: ''My daughter is quite a destructive little girl so I thought a tornado would be very fitting. I couldn't find a design online that would allow ... more

Photo: Courtesy Lindsey Phillips

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This one is borderline -- several elements are store-bought -- but "Karate Kid" is one of my all-time favorite movies. (All together now ...) Sweep the leg!

This one is borderline -- several elements are store-bought -- but "Karate Kid" is one of my all-time favorite movies. (All together now ...) Sweep the leg!

Photo: Courtesy Cathy T.

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Claudia sends this amazing Gypsy Danger costume from "Pacific Rim" made by her husband. (She sent an equally amazing Alien Xenomorph costume from last year.)

Claudia sends this amazing Gypsy Danger costume from "Pacific Rim" made by her husband. (She sent an equally amazing Alien Xenomorph costume from last year.)

Photo: Courtesy Claudia Berry

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The Bay Area is a little safer ... from Hawkgirl's mom: ''Here is my daughter as Hawkgirl of the Justice League! I made the mask from craft foam that I cut out and heat molded. The mace is made from a styrofoam ball with smaller ball glues on and pvc pipe for the handle. These were then painted. The wings are angel wings I spray painted. The outfit is put together from thriftstore finds and some store bought items such as tights and the boots.'' less

The Bay Area is a little safer ... from Hawkgirl's mom: ''Here is my daughter as Hawkgirl of the Justice League! I made the mask from craft foam that I cut out and heat molded. The mace is made from a ... more

Photo: Courtesy Hawkgirl\'s mom

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First Halloween costume is a very comfy-looking owl. Mom Adria writes: "BART striking and waking up before 5 a.m. to get to work, but still found the time. So worth it!"

First Halloween costume is a very comfy-looking owl. Mom Adria writes: "BART striking and waking up before 5 a.m. to get to work, but still found the time. So worth it!"

Photo: Courtesy Adria Walker

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Cara writes that her 5-year-old daughter conceived the costumes for herself and her 9-month-old brother -- Spike the dragon and Princess Twilight Sparkle from ''My Little Pony.'' The whole family looks pretty happy -- even the little guy. less

Cara writes that her 5-year-old daughter conceived the costumes for herself and her 9-month-old brother -- Spike the dragon and Princess Twilight Sparkle from ''My Little Pony.'' The whole family looks pretty ... more

Photo: Courtesy Cara

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Longtime The Poop reader Jody sends photos of Gillian and Eliza dressed as Jake and Izzy from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." Love the non-canon but regionally correct Pittsburgh Pirates sword. (They live in Pennsylvania.) Writes Jody: "Gillian likes to tell people ''I'm JAKE!'' And it's usually out of the context of costumes, so she's living the dream. less

Longtime The Poop reader Jody sends photos of Gillian and Eliza dressed as Jake and Izzy from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." Love the non-canon but regionally correct Pittsburgh Pirates sword. (They live in ... more

Photo: Courtesy Jody Handley

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Kim R is another first-timer, explaining that ''My sisters are the 'crafty ones.''' She did a pretty great job -- we relaxed our no-Minion rule (there were at least 10 Minion-related submissions) to allow this purple evil Minion on a technicality. ''My daughter is ecstatic. When we went out last night people wanted pictures with her.'' less

Kim R is another first-timer, explaining that ''My sisters are the 'crafty ones.''' She did a pretty great job -- we relaxed our no-Minion rule (there were at least 10 Minion-related submissions) to allow this ... more

Photo: Courtesy Kim R

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Mother Jennifer writes: ''So my daughter Francie, who just turned three, had been hemming and
hawing about whether she wanted to be a ballerina or a witch for
Halloween for weeks. Finally one day, she came to me and said 'I want
to be a ballerina witch!''' The rest is craftiness history. less

Mother Jennifer writes: ''So my daughter Francie, who just turned three, had been hemming and
hawing about whether she wanted to be a ballerina or a witch for
Halloween for weeks. Finally one day, she came ... more

Photo: Courtesy Jennifer

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Faithful The Poop and The Big Event reader Alissa sends in her son's ''Scottish LEGO Man'' costume. She writes: ''My husband has just informed me that the sporran is not a necklace and should be worn on the hip more like a belt. Oops. Apologies to the Scottish people. Maybe LEGO mini-figures wear it differently?'' less

Faithful The Poop and The Big Event reader Alissa sends in her son's ''Scottish LEGO Man'' costume. She writes: ''My husband has just informed me that the sporran is not a necklace and should be worn on the ... more

Photo: Courtesy Alissa McLean

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Excellent execution here by Jordan, who dressed herself as a 1976 Jordan. She writes: ''This Halloween our family is going as Swizzle Time. Is this common
vernacular or just what my Mother-in-Law calls wine and snacks in the
afternoon?'' less

Excellent execution here by Jordan, who dressed herself as a 1976 Jordan. She writes: ''This Halloween our family is going as Swizzle Time. Is this common
vernacular or just what my Mother-in-Law calls wine ... more

Photo: Courtesy Jordan

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Last but not least ... This is MY costume made for my 8-year-old son Theo. We share a Lord of the Rings fandom, and he's a Ringwraith. I enjoyed watching him stalking around menacingly at his elementary school family fun night, next to all the girls dressed like Dorothy and princesses. I'm going to stop typing now and make him a mace to go with the sword ... less

Last but not least ... This is MY costume made for my 8-year-old son Theo. We share a Lord of the Rings fandom, and he's a Ringwraith. I enjoyed watching him stalking around menacingly at his elementary school ... more

Photo: Courtesy Peter Hartlaub

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Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest ... the winners are here!

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I remember the first Halloween costume my parents made for me, after I turned 7. I was a robot — not much more than a box painted black with some tinfoil around the arms. But I was so excited to be something other than the passed-down-for-generations clown and pumpkin costumes in our closets. I was something from the future. The fact that my parents solicited my input and embraced my geeky sci-fi interests was elating. Even though I was dressing like something else on Halloween, I felt like me.

I see that same look on the faces kids in our Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest. Not only is Oct. 31 their day to be whatever they want, but they get to watch their parents help execute the vision, and possibly enjoy that memory forever.

That was the main criteria when judging our seventh Super-Crafty Halloween Costume Contest. As much as I was looking for technically impressive or clever costumes, I was looking for happy kids who got to be what they wanted.

The final field is above — with 14 new costumes added to the front after I posted the gallery on Thursday. Selecting winners was next to impossible, and more than a little arbitrary. Congratulations to everyone who participated, whether your costume is featured here or not. The lasting gratitude of your children is the biggest prize anyway …

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY A DAD WATCHING FOOTBALL AND DRINKING BEER WHILE SEWING HIS SON’S POOH COSTUME …

Courtesy Shannon A.

Parents Shannon and Warwick bought a sewing machine for these Piglet and Winnie the Pooh costumes, and Shannon reports that her “middle-aged beer-drinkin’ sports-lovin’ husband figured out how to work the thing and sewed the costumes himself.” Just as I started to tear up reading that, I realized she sent a photo of Warwick, and I started laughing and tearing up at the same time. Parents of the year. Some day this is going to come up in a wedding toast …

THE ”TOR-E-A-DOR STAND READY!” AWARD FOR BEST USE OF A CANINE COMPANION IN A BABY COSTUME IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND …

The baby and small toddler costumes are really about the parents, and I’m OK with that. Raising a baby or 1-year-old is a tough job — we should all be allowed to dress them up like Liberace once per year. Even though the kid isn’t going to remember this adorable bullfighter costume, the execution is magnificent. You can tell this little matador and bull-dog are going to have some fun years together. And some day the guy on the left is going to grow up and make this the profile picture for whatever the 2050 equivalent is of a Facebook page.

THE SPECIAL CITATION FOR USE OF A BOOK LIGHT TO SIMULATE THE PREDATORY SIDE OF THE DEEP SEA FOOD CHAIN …

Amanda reports that she spent three weeks to build this paper mache angler fish head (“using the San Francisco Chronicle of course — so meta!”) with a working light. I’m imagining homeowners getting hypnotized by the light, just blindly throwing handfuls of candy into the giant mouth. Bonus: A few small modifications, and this could double in 2014 as a “Land of the Lost” sleestack costume.

THE TWIST ENDING AWARD FOR BEST USE OF A STUFFED TIGER THAT’S NOT PART OF A RINGMASTER OR CALVIN & HOBBES COSTUME …

Martin LaFosse says his son enjoyed the movie “The Life of Pi,” which led to this outstanding costume. I was so taken by the detail work, I actually counted the little check marks and thought ”33 days at sea! Surprised the kid is still able to stand up and hold that boat.” It’s a beautiful, fun costume. Best of all: You can tell this kid is thrilled that his parents helped make the movie come to life. (But let’s all agree never to tell Antoine who the orangutan is, and what really happened to her.)

READERS’ CHOICE …

This is such a Bay Area move: A child decides to be a special ordered burrito from her favorite taqueria, and her DIY parents execute it perfectly. As a Picante fan, I love the added detail of the Berkeley institution’s recognizable to-go stickers. The costume was probably going to win a prize anyway, but the victory was sealed when I went to Picante yesterday, and ordered this exact burrito. (Pictured below.) I half expected the kid to show up and say “Trick or treat!”

WINNER!!!

This is both a grand prize and a lifetime achievement award. Raphael Sperry is one of several “regulars” in this contest, whose work I look forward to year after year. Every Halloween he architects a different costume with a San Francisco theme, including an earlier costume where his sons were the Coit Tower and TransAmerica Pyramid. This twin Golden Gate Bridge costume, with genius fog headwear, is his masterpiece. Excellent work Raphael and Sperry boys!

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The Readers’ Choice and Overall Winner will receive prizes. You will be contacted soon with some choices.

Thanks again to everyone who entered! This is one of my favorite parts of my job. Already looking forward to next year …

PETER HARTLAUB is the pop culture critic at the San Francisco Chronicle and founder of this parenting blog. Follow him on Twitter @PeterHartlaub. Friend the The Poop on Facebook.